As a long-time comic book fan and avid reader of underappreciated characters, I can confidently say that Jason Aaron’s take on Namor in his new series is a breath of fresh air. Having grown up reading the tales of the Sub-Mariner, I’ve seen countless attempts to capture the essence of this complex anti-hero. But with Aaron at the helm, we have a creator who seems perfectly suited for the character at this moment in time.
In the world of comic books, there are certain unforgettable collaborations between characters and their writers. It’s as if they were meant for each other. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. and Iron Man, or Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool, have become synonymous with these roles. The same goes for Lynda Carter and Wonder Woman. When we think about these characters, their respective actors come to mind.
In issue #1 of Namor by Aaron, the author makes his Marvel Comics debut with this iconic character outside team titles for the first time since 2012. This new series bears a striking resemblance to Aaron’s initial work on Thor, showcasing a creator who seems perfectly suited to bring Namor to life at this particular juncture. Crafting a balance between the classic anti-hero and innovative elements, Aaron’s interpretation of Namor captivates from the beginning, leaving readers both familiar with the character and intrigued by the fresh twists yet to be revealed.
The way Aaron sees it, Namor is currently held captive at sea, far from the watery realm that fuels his abilities. He’s come to accept a life of isolation, believing he may have caused more harm than good to his people. However, when the prison comes under assault, Namor discovers a shocking revelation: there has been a war raging in the seas since he abdicated as Atlantis’ monarch – a conflict referred to as World War Sea.
In this issue, the fierce contest for supremacy over the oceans is described as an “all-out battle,” bringing a grin to my face. Seven monarchs have laid claim to the throne, and soon enough, the terrestrial world will have reason to despise the underwater inhabitants. With such high stakes, Namor must put aside his ego and acknowledge that, despite his flaws, he is Atlantis’ best hope at the moment.
In this Namor comic series, the story of the renowned character unfolds through two distinct timeframes. Paul Davidson illustrates the present-day sequences, while Alex Lins creates the visuals for Namor’s past. It’s remarkable how seamlessly these artists collaborate, crafting separate narratives that harmoniously blend together. While it’s noticeable when the art transitions between the timelines, there’s no discord or clash in style. Instead, their works complement each other beautifully, giving an impression of a single artist delineating different eras rather than two distinct artists at work.
When the narrative shifts to the past, the boundaries become more blurred, the hues grow more vivid, and there’s an endearing childlike quality to the scenes. The flashbacks seamlessly blend into the recollections of the adult Namor portrayed in the comic. I cannot stress enough how harmoniously Davidson and Lins collaborate throughout this work, elevating the entire project.
In the intersection of two prominent art forms, Aaron’s depiction of Namor stands out remarkably. Namor is an anti-hero with a knack for choosing questionable paths. Yet, despite his unscrupulous behavior, he possesses an undeniable charm and appeal that goes beyond mere charisma. He’s not the typical anti-hero who winks at the audience and promises redemption. Instead, Namor straddles the line between good and evil, making him both detestable and endearing. His actions may be misguided, but they always contain a noble intent that manages to tug at our heartstrings. He’s a character that elicits anger and mistrust, yet leaves us yearning for more. Whenever Namor speaks, we find ourselves feeling a mix of frustration and admiration, thinking, “He may be wrong, but I can’t help but agree with him, and if he asked me to jump over a cliff, I probably would.”
Aaron grasps not only the intricacies but also the deeper meaning behind the confusing words I recently shared with you. His comprehension surpasses most other writers who have explored this character in the past. This is no surprise, considering Aaron’s exceptional handling of Loki during his tenure on Thor. Despite being a frequently overlooked character, it’s invigorating to witness such vitality and determination brought to life by Aaron.
The writing of Namor’s inner monologue alone is worth the price of the comic book.
“I feel my blood become a storm-tossed sea.”
Each evening, I address a supplication to Neptune. I implore… drought to befall me. I yearn to resemble a stranded whale decaying under the scorching sun.
“Here lies the Last King of Atlantis, who died with his back to the sea.”
As a dedicated gamer and avid comic book reader, I’ve got to say, Namor’s dialogue hits the nail right on the head for me. With just the right amount of brooding intensity, it’s downright cool and leaves me feeling pumped up. And let me tell you, when it comes to superhero comics, they should give us that thrilling sense of excitement, making us cheer aloud and unconsciously throw in a fist-pump at the end of an exhilarating page. Namor did exactly that for me consistently.
In this series, Namor’s complexities are just beginning to unfold under the surface as Aaron arranges various storyline elements. Much more is in store for us, and we’re unsure of the ultimate destination. Yet, that uncertainty is part of the charm. Gazing out at Namor’s future holds immense excitement; it’s not about anticipating major surprises or character transformations, but rather appreciating how well the early installments have executed the small details.
I’m thrilled about the new direction for Namor, a character I’ve long admired. Based on Aaron’s past work, this could be the beginning of a transformative saga that alters the essence of Namor for good. Brace yourselves and prepare for an exhilarating ride.
Published by Marvel Comics
On July 17, 2024
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Paul Davidson and Alex Lins
Colors by Neeraj Menon
Letters by Joe Caramagna
Cover by Alexander Lozano
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2024-07-17 17:10